~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Equine influences

I have loved horses as for long as I can remember. Maybe most little girls go through an infatuation with horses. I attribute my interest to a great book and a sweet aunt. I read Black Beauty when I was 9 years old. After reading that book I dedicated my search at our public library to all stories that revolved around horses. When I was 12, my Aunt Gail came to live with us in California, moving here from Ohio. She only stayed with us about a year, long enough to get a job and save enough money to rent her own apartment. She was an avid horse enthusiast and rider, and later saved to buy her own horse, which I was privileged to ride most weekends in my early teens.

{This is my youngest granddaughter, Fae, on an “unicorn” for her first birthday, maybe this ride will plant the seed and she’ll love horses too! —the pretty blonde girl is Fae’s mommy, my sweet daughter-in-law, and the redhead is moi}

I never lost my enthusiasm for horses and after visiting England for the first time, equine influences were stronger than ever. That’s when I started decorating our home to reflect my perception of a English country home.

{via tumblr}

It’s no surprise that I am always drawn to a bit of a lodge-look style, with the hunt scene pictures, antlers and a few accessories to carry the feeling of country living in England. 🙂

{Elle Decor ~ photo by Roger Davies}

I must have lived in England in a former life.

{Antony Childs Country House ~ House & Garden; 1992 ~ photo William Waldron}

One of my favorite blog sites is The Polohouse. The talented Alison has decorated her home in a style that I copy am inspired by. If you have any interest in traditional decor, coupled with lovely, often antique, accessories, be sure to visit her.

Many rooms that capture my attention have a country feel to them. Often the rooms are those of a manor house someplace. Since I don’t see a manor house in my immediate future {read: ever}, I search out rooms that anyone would love, no horse riding or butler necessary.

An example is this beautiful room designed by Suzanne Rheinstein for a Virginia homeowner. The paintings are the only nod to possible interest in horses. The room is simple and elegant, while still inviting. Virginia’s Hunt Country homes, when featured in magazines or online, seem to be a great source [this side of the pond] for all things equine.

The room below is a favorite. It’s neutral palate appeals to me and there’s enough of a modern feel to the light infused room that I can visualize this room as a happy place to be whether in a California home or an English country house.

Here is my main equine related painting. Not the best photograph, but I do love the painting. I found it in an antique store in San Juan Capistrano. There are other small items that remind me of my love of horses. {sofa is on the list to be reupholstered in the new year}

Happy November! Do you like equine influenced decor? Did you have an affinity for horses when you were young?

Share this:

Related

Post navigation

30 thoughts on “Equine influences”

I LOVE HORSES! YES! Good morning, Karen! How lovely you are, your daughter, and your grand daughter! What a lucky little girl, riding a “unicorn!” I have a similar photo of myself around the same age with my mother supporting me as I ride a large brown horse in Mexico! My love for horses came very early to me. I don’t know what the influence was other than my family loving horses. Then when I was old enough to hold a pencil, I used to draw horses constantly. I rode a few times, and to this day, dream of having at least a pony! I have a few vintage wooden horses and my favorite is a large white wooden horse sitting on an old gray French style farmhouse table in my dining room. The rustic style of the piece with my elegant crystal chandeliers and other touches of sophistication is just perfect. I love all the photos you share here and yes, GO EQUINE! Enjoy your day! Anita

Anita, You must take a picture and share it on IG of your rustic horse on the dining room table. 🙂 I have photographs of my husband, my father-in-law, and myself sitting on horses as youngsters. Such fun memories. Thank you for stopping in, I always enjoy our chats! Have a wonderful rest of your week. xo, Karen

…I agree…every little girl goes through the horse stage…especially if she has fallen in love with a book about a horse!…and perhaps…that is where the love of the equine/lodge /manor love comes from too…something in us that remains throughout life…that began when we were most impressionable…such gorgeousness!…the pictures (especially the polo house…I too love allison’s blog)…are such a treat…they make one feel safe…secure…and content…all the things we want our homes to be…for us…and for those who come through our doors…precious pictures too of your little granddaughter!…and her beautiful mother and grandmother…blessings laney

Hi Laney, I can always count on you to put such a clear perspective on topics. I think what you said about the look of a room providing that contentment we all seek in our homes, so true. Thank you, Laney. I enjoy your visits. 🙂 xo, Karen

Julie, I just asked Mr. B. to find it and record it. How fun! Thanks for this. I was born and raised in Southern California, but I swear that there are regions of the east coast that feel like home when I see photographs of the area and homes! Enjoy the rest of your week. xo, Karen

Karen, I too like horses and agree that many girls go through a horse-loving stage. There is something behind the power and size of this gorgeous animal .. The cost and responsibility of owning a horse is prohibitive for most of us unfortunately, otherwise I’d live on a ranch and have a few Thoroughbreds. That picture at the top is darling with your sweet grand-daughter;) I also like your framed painting and ALL of the Equine! Enjoy your day 🙂 xxL

Hi Karen, I guess that all little girls have a touch of Lisa Simpson in them and want a pony. I had a friend in elementary school (Nancy Ray) who was horse crazy and I loved spending time with her and imagining rides on our own horses. I wonder if Nancy ever fulfilled her dream of owning a horse. The picture from Fae’s birthday party is adorable! How cute she looks with her little unicorn head band.

The rooms in this post are gorgeous. I’ve always loved your equine inspired decorating and the picture above your sofa is a favorite. I think that I must have been British in an earlier life because I could be very happy living in any of the rooms you showed.

Hi Karen, How fun- riding a unicorn. What a great picture!
My grandma had a print of horses I always admired, especially while reading Black Beauty & Misty of Chincoteague. Equine touches are so classic.
I really like that Kerry Joyce room– as you said, it could be perfect for a California home. It’s what my living room wants to be when it grows up!

Vicki,
Everyone should ride a unicorn once in their lives! The horse and pony they hired were so sweet…I guess if you do the party circuit as a horse, you learn to be gentle and kind with guests.
Enjoy your weekend,
Karen

It took me a number of years to appreciate the beauty and appeal of horses. When I lived in Kent, England, during my teens there were many girls at school that were simply mad for horses, took riding lessons, and were fully absorbed in the horsey world. They just never appealed to me back then. Now, of course, I’ve come to realize these beautiful animals are powerful and gentle and I can well see their universal appeal.

Adore many of the rooms you featured in your blog today and I love your sofa. It looks rather jaunty and picks up the red from your lovely painting.

CD, Thank you for your kind words about my sofa. It’s very comfy but I’m afraid with 2 dogs it just hasn’t held up. We’ll reupholster in the new year. I grew up with a boy whose family had moved to the U.S. from Kent. The Binghams. I’m sure that was a somewhat common name. Karen

Jeannine, I would have loved to have a horse growing up. As an only child I used to tease my parents that a pony was the only gift I didn’t get each Christmas. Haha. How nice to have grown up with a horse. I agree, they are majestic animals. Thank you for your kind compliment about my sofa…it’s in need to be recovered. xo, Karen

Hi Karen–Yes, I was crazy about horses as a kid, too. I think my fascination also began when I read “Black Beauty” at an early age. I just remembered that I had a young child’s version of “Black Beauty” … a picture book! I was 35 when I finally had a horse of my own, but I had her for only a couple of years because I had to board her too far away. I’m an only child, too! 🙂
Love the tassel with the horsehead top, and the pale aqua room with gilt frames! –D’Arcy

D’Arcy, I knew we had a lot in common! How lucky to have a horse. I believe that in our state boarding is very, *very* expensive. I think I would like to live where I could take care of the horse, in house. Still, I can only afford my fantasy of living on a ranch or in a manor house! 🙂 xo, Karen

I remember you mentioning something about not liking this “equine” decor so I was certain you wouldn’t comment since you are probably the kind of person taught that if you cannot say something nice…hahaha.

I too have loved horses since I was a little girl and am also quite an Anglophile. Our house has a dark den that is paneled on the walls and ceiling, so my hubby and I have turned it into our “British” library with horse pics, an Edwardian velvet sofa, wing chairs, a deep red rug, and floral curtains. I once thought we should try to lighten it up, but now it’s the coziest space in the house and the best room to watch British dramas in. Sometimes it’s good to work with what you have. And I should mention we cobbled it all together with castoffs, yard sale items and antique shop super bargains.

do i ever, but you probably knew that karen!! my home is filled with that influence and the village i live in is very equestrian, it is fox hunting season here now (dragged scent) and driving around one can see the red coats, hounds & horses….
love your painting and the oh so delish examples
cheerio!
debra

Debra, No surprise, my kindred spirit. 😊 I love the idea of seeing riders in red coats on the trails around my house, maybe I could hire a few. We have an ideal neighborhood for it! We used to hear cows grazing on the hills surrounding our neighborhood during the summer. xo, Karen

Karen, how can I have known you all these years and not realized that you loved horses? I was aware that you have some wonderful equine pieces in your home but I assumed that it was part of the English country life that we love. I was also a huge fan of Black Beauty. My Texas grandparents gave me the book when I was in grade school. My dad brought me back to reality when he shared stories of the horse he had as boy on the farm. He said this very “creative” horse spent most of his time trying to knock him out of the saddle. He would ride under low limbs on trees or run really fast and then stop with no warning, sending my dad flying. It definitely made me reconsider my desire to own a horse!

I love the picture from Fae’s birthday party. You, Sarah and Fae look like you’re having a wonderful time!